Promoting an attachment aware approach in schools

The Virtual School promotes an approach that is attachment aware to ensure the needs of children in care and previously looked after children can be met.

An approach that is attachment aware includes:

• School staff understanding attachment theory and the impact of attachment difficulties on a child’s emotional development and ability to engage in learning
• School staff having awareness of the emotional, psychological and social effects of loss and separation from birth families and that some children may find it difficult to build relationships of trust with adults because of their experiences, and how this might affect the child’s behaviour
• A whole school approach to identifying and supporting pupils with attachment difficulties  

Further information

• Attachment Lead Network – https://www.attachmentleadnetwork.net/ 
• Nottingham City Behaviour Support Team – http://www.nottinghamschools.org.uk/covid-19/send-support-services/behaviour-support-team/ 
• Nottingham City Educational Psychology Service – https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/educationalpsychology